Russian horse breeds: description, list of the best and breeding history

There are hundreds of breeds of horses in the world. All of them have amazing qualities. In the list of beautiful animals, Russians, unique breeds of horses, stand apart. The history of the existence of these horses is marked by a number of tragic events. Despite the difficulties, Russian horses continue to live and delight connoisseurs of these beautiful animals.

History of horses in Russia

History of horse breeding goes back many centuries. Back in the 13th century, people were breeding horses. Warriors brought thoroughbred horses as prey after successful battles with numerous enemies.

During the invasion of the Golden Horde, preference was given to heavy horses. Only with the onset of the era of Ivan the Terrible, oriental breeds of horses began to gain popularity. Times have changed, the fashion for horse breeds has changed. The names of Count Orlov, Rostopchin, Budyonny will forever go down in history. Enthusiastic people gave the world beautiful breeds of horses. Many of them have become the pride of the country.

Tragic events in the history of Russia were accompanied by the death and miraculous rebirth of unique horses. Today, Russian specialists breed a variety of horse breeds.

Classification

According to the purpose, representatives of the horse family can be divided into 3 groups:

• riding horses;
• draft horses;
• heavy horses.

There are universal breeds of horses, for example, the Don horse. The animal is used as a draft or riding horse.

Breeders divide horses into categories:

1. Aboriginal. Perhaps the strongest, he althiest animals. Horses have long adapted to harsh climatic conditions. Nature itself took care of the formation of strong immunity in horses. They endure frost and strong winds without loss. Effortlessly pave the way through deep snowdrifts. These species include Vyatka, Yakut horses, as well as horses from Central Asia or the Caucasus. The unique properties of native animals are used to breed new breeds of horses.
2. Transitional. In these horses, the best qualities of native horses and the dignity of stallions brought from afar merge together.
3. Factory. The result of a complex, painstaking and long-term work on breeding a new breed. Russian breeders have bred such breeds as the Orlovsky trotter, the Budennovskaya horse and other types of horses.

Main Breeds

The breeds of Russian horses are not so numerous. Some of them are basic.

Budennovskaya

Semyon Mikhailovich Budyonny made a lot of efforts to develop the ideal breed of horses for the Red Army. The Don breed was taken as the basis. Having crossed a horse with a thoroughbred riding stallion, specialists received a universal draft and riding breed. The Budyonnovsky horse can not only walk under saddle, but also serve the needs of people as a draft force.

The height of the animal reaches 165 cm. The long neck of the horse reminds of the Akhal-Teke ancestors. The horse differs from other stallions in massiveness and some angularity. A powerful croup and a wide chest speak of the horse's strength and endurance. The dry, broad-browed head is beautifully set. Large expressive eyes speak of intelligence and good character.The elongated body and strong legs give the animal an impressive appearance. Budyonnovsky horses can be recognized by their "branded" bay color. Today, the army does not need cavalry troops, so Budyonny people are used in sports. Horses successfully participate in dressage, show jumping and horse racing competitions.

Donskaya

One of the oldest breeds bred by man. The progenitors of the Don breed are aboriginal steppe horses. For many years, horses were crossed with stallions of Persian, Turkish and Arab blood. Horses were brought in abundance by warriors after numerous battles.

In the 19th century, Don horses were divided into 2 types:

1. Old breed. The animal strongly resembled the steppe ancestors. Small height (146-155 cm) and nondescript appearance compensated for the agility and endurance of the horse.
2. A new type of Don breed. In order to give the horse an attractive appearance, the horse was crossed with stallions of English blood. Gradually, the situation changed, and smart and hardy horses came to the service of people. Stately stallions are strikingly different from their predecessors.

Orlov trotter

The breed was created thanks to the efforts of Count Orlov. Many years of breeding work have led to the birth of a unique horse. A graceful, strong horse with a surprisingly soft step and a long, flexible neck. The growth of a large stallion reaches 170 cm. The combination of grace and power makes the appearance of the animal unique.

The weight of the horse reaches 500 kg. A small, dry head, intelligent eyes and pointed, sensitive ears look harmonious. A muscular body, slender dry legs and a lush mane complete the portrait of the animal. Energetic, mobile trotters are distinguished by their complaisant nature and quick wit. Oryol stallions can be seen at spectacular sporting events.

Russian riding

The Russian riding horse appeared as a result of the merger of the Oryol breed and the Rastopchinsky horses. During the hard times of the Great Patriotic War, the breed was almost destroyed.The pitiful remnants of former luxury disappeared during the years of Khrushchev's rule. Decades later, through the efforts of enthusiasts, the Russian riding breed was recreated.

The height of the horse reaches 165-170 cm. Elastic, developed muscles, a wide, muscular back and slender legs distinguish Russian riding horses from representatives of other breeds. The horse has a receptive mind and wayward character. The animal is used for dressage and triathlon.

Soviet heavy truck

Short, strong draft horse. The breed was bred in the mid-20s of the last century. The heavy truck appeared as a result of crossing local draft horses and Brabancon stallions. These European horses have remarkable strength, because their ancestors served the heavy knights faithfully.

Soviet heavy truck is like a small bulldozer. A powerful animal is used for hard work, as well as a source of meat and milk.The height of the heavy truck is relatively small - 160 cm, but the weight reaches 700-1000 kg. The broad back, powerful drooping croup and strong legs give the appearance of the animal monumentality. The horse is often red in color. Sometimes you can meet a bay heavy truck.

Yakutian

Aboriginal animal, adapted to severe frosts and poor nutrition. Thick undercoat and long hair allow the horse to easily endure the hardships of the climate. Due to their unpretentiousness, horses are kept outdoors throughout the year.

Low, massive animals rarely grow more than 142 cm. A muscular neck and a wide back speak of remarkable endurance of horses. The Yakut horse boasts strong legs and developed joints. Stallions are used as riding horses, as well as for children's equestrian sports.

Bashkir

Aboriginal horse is common in Tatarstan, Bashkiria and the Sverdlovsk region.The breed was born as a result of natural crossing of steppe horses and forest-type horses. Unpretentious animals are kept on pastures all year round. The main advantage of the breed is the ability to tirelessly overcome tens of kilometers.

The height of the indefatigable horse is only 145 cm. Due to the friendly disposition, stallions are used in children's equestrian sports. Animals are often bred on dairy farms.

Terskaya

The unique breed was bred in the 40s of the last century thanks to the crossing of the surviving stallions of the Sagittarius breed with horses of Arab blood. As a result, the Terek breed appeared. Thanks to numerous advantages, universal horses participate in all types of equestrian competitions. Amazing learning ability allows the use of horses in circus performances.

It was on the Terek stallion that the legendary Marshal Zhukov took the victory parade. Most often you can meet a gray horse. Less common are horses of bay color. The horse is beautifully built. A short, straight back, a flexible, long neck and slender legs give the animal an elegant appearance. The animal has a small head. Sensitive mobile ears and sparkling eyes complete the portrait of the horse.

Vyatskaya

Forest, aboriginal horse. The northern beauty is common in the Kirov region, as well as in the farms of Udmurtia. The animal is energetic, obedient and hardy. An unpretentious horse is easily satisfied with poor nutrition, tolerates frosts and rains well. Compliant nature allows the use of Vyatka in children's equestrian sports and tourism.

In the past, the Vyatka assistant was used for postal transportation. The main distinguishing feature of a low toiler is a dark stripe running along the back of the animal. Vyatka grows up to 150 cm. Legs are short. The thick hide protects the horse from insect bites.

Russian Trotter

The breed appeared as a result of crossing the legendary Oryol trotters and animals of American selection. The horses are distinguished by graceful forms and a calm character. The narrow muzzle and prominent withers give the horse a unique look. Strong legs and a muscular torso speak of the endurance of the animal. Elongated, mobile ears and dark eyes are the hallmarks of the Russian trotter.

The horse is used as a light harness animal. Peaceful disposition and high intelligence make it possible to use horses for hippotherapy.

Don riding horse

Universal breed. The Don horse is successfully used as a draft and riding horse.

Elongated body, dry legs and a small head add elegance to the appearance of the animal. The height of the horse is 165 cm. A well-developed crest is clearly visible on the neck.The tail and mane are dark and thick. The docile nature of the animals makes it possible to use horses to teach children how to ride.

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